Optimization of the Sustainable Distribution Supply Chain Using the Lean Value Stream Mapping 4.0 Tool: A Case Study of the Automotive Wiring Industry

Abstract

The transformation to Supply Chain (SC) 4.0 promises new opportunities for companies to gain competitiveness. The Lean Value Stream Mapping (VSM) tool allows the supervision of all the processes of the entire SC, from which we can identify the different types of waste that hinder the competitiveness of the SC. Following the existing problems detected with the help of a diagnostic, we will propose a new process design by integrating 4.0 technologies to modernize the company. For our case study, we treat the multinational SC of Automotive Wiring Equipment Morocco, where we will focus on the downstream part of the SC composed of the warehouse and the different stages of road and sea transport until the final delivery in Austria. Then, we will consider the opportunities offered by each country in terms of logistics competitiveness. In this research work, we will show how Lean VSM4.0 will contribute to sustainable development by integrating the three pillars economic, environmental, and social. With the Lean VSM 4.0 tool, all logistic processes will be visualized, from which improvements could be obtained, especially the optimization of the lead-time, the cost, the energy consumed, and the follow-up of the products during the whole SC while reducing accidents.